1 Cash - Chongzhen Tongbao; northern type; with Zhong ND
| Brass | - | 24 mm |
| Issuer | Empire of China |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Ming dynasty › Chongzhen (崇祯帝) (1627-1644) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1630-1644 |
| Value | 1 Cash |
| Currency | Cash (621-1912) |
| Composition | Brass |
| Diameter | 24 mm |
| Shape | Round with a square hole |
| Technique | Cast |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-03 |
| Numista | N#222768 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
One Chinese ideogram below.
Script: Chinese (traditional, regular script)
Lettering: 忠
Translation:
Zhong
Loyalty
Edge
Plain
Comment
Hartill suggests the larger, heavier coins (around 26 millimetres and weighing 1.3 Qian) were the first 1 Cash pieces produced. By 1630, coins minted in the north weighted 1.0 Qian and coins minted in the south weighed 8 Fen or less.The Northern types and the Southern types are differenciated by the left part of Zhen.
- Northern types: 礻
- Southern types: 示
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Standard circulation coin 1 Cash - Chongzhen (Tongbao; northern type; with Zhong) ND (1630-1644) from Empire of China made of Brass is that it was used as a form of currency during a time of great economic change in China. The Chongzhen era saw the introduction of a new monetary system, which included the use of copper coins like this one, and the abolition of the traditional use of cowry shells as currency. This coin was also unique in that it featured the character "Zhong" on one side, which indicated that it was issued by the central government, and not by a local authority. This coin is a rare and valuable artifact that provides insight into the economic and political history of China during the 17th century.
